LightPath Technologies, Inc., a global manufacturer, distributor and integrator of patented optical components and assemblies, has announced that it has entered into a research agreement with the Univ…
LightPath Technologies, Inc., a global manufacturer, distributor and integrator of patented optical components and assemblies, has announced that it has entered into a research agreement with the University of Central Florida“s (UCF) College of Optics and Photonics (CREOL). The agreement was set up to develop new processes for the handling and moulding of infrared glasses, with funding partially obtained through matching funds available from the Florida High Tech Corridor Council (FHTC). LightPath is working to bring low cost infrared optics to the defence, military and commercial infrared markets, and is targeting high-growth applications such as infrared countermeasures, thermography, gas sensing and thermal imaging for commercial night vision systems, which are estimated in having a combined present value of over USD 2.5 billion. LightPath says it will use the new techniques developed under its UCF agreement to increase production volumes and reduce the cost of its moulded aspheric infrared lenses. Jim Gaynor, CEO of LightPath Technologies, stated, Infrared technology has numerous real world applications, and sophisticated moulding processes and glass materials provide the foundation to help drive down costs of optics used to build infrared devices. We are excited to have the opportunity to work with the exceptional staff at UCF to develop new processing techniques for mouldable infrared glasses. By tapping into the innovative minds and resources of academia, LightPath can cost-effectively decrease its time-to-market new product lines, while we support the growth of our local economy. The collaborative funding by LightPath and the FHTC will support a research team consisting of two post-graduate students led by CREOL Professor Dr. Ayman Abouraddy, who commented, I am delighted to start a collaboration with LightPath which will allow us to bring our expertise in chalcogenide glass processing, developed at CREOL, to LightPath“s lens fabrication procedures. I anticipate that this project will have a positive economic impact in our community, which is one of the main goals of optics and photonics research at CREOL.